Food and Trees for Africa recently assisted Cummins with its successful gardening initiative at Ivory Park Secondary School, Ingqayizivele High School, Minerva Secondary School and Manzini Primary School.
The year-long partnership came into effect when Cummins assisted Food and Trees for Africa with an initial tree-planting and education initiative, which eventually developed into an ongoing drive to promote sustainable projects.
Cummins is an international company that manufactures equipment for, among others, the agricultural industry.
“We realised that in order for these projects to be sustainable, we had to partner with an organisation such as Food and Trees for Africa, which has a unique business model in this regard,” said Cummins Harrowdene deputy CIT team leader, René du Plessis.
The food garden project at the four schools involved planting indigenous trees and vegetable gardens, as well as assisting local communities in generating their own organic vegetables.
A total of 60 indigenous trees and 60 fruit trees were supplied for the under-resourced schools, together with compost and seedlings. The produce from the initiative is channelled into feeding schemes at the various schools.
Food and Trees for Africa’s food garden manager Robyn Hills said Cummins proved to be an enthusiastic partner. “Cummins staff are well-informed about climate change and its impact on food production. With the help of staff, we have conducted seedling drops, set up stalls and done herb giveaways,” said Hills.
“We have also arranged talks to encourage community participation. Cummins has played a major role in helping us achieve these milestones.”
Du Plessis explained that Cummins selected this particular CSI initiative as environmental awareness and stewardship is very much in the DNA of the company.
“It is vital that teachers, schoolchildren and community members lend their support in order to ensure a successful and sustainable outcome.”
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